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05 Nov 2025
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Day Trip from Vancouver to Victoria

Day Trip Itinerary: Vancouver to Victoria

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Vancouver to Victoria, exploring some of British Columbia’s top-rated attractions. Start your journey at the BC Ferries Tsawwassen Terminal, where you’ll enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the stunning Strait of Georgia, surrounded by breathtaking ocean and island vistas. Upon arriving on Vancouver Island, make your way to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Wander through vibrant floral displays, tranquil fountains, and meticulously landscaped grounds that will delight your senses and provide numerous photo opportunities.

Continue your adventure with a visit to the Royal BC Museum, home to immersive exhibits that delve into the province’s rich natural and cultural history, including Indigenous heritage and interactive displays. Stroll along Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour, bustling with charming shops, street performers, and beautiful waterfront views, perfect for relaxing and taking in the lively atmosphere. Conclude your trip with a tour of Craigdarroch Castle, an impressive Victorian mansion known for its architectural grandeur and fascinating stories that reveal a glimpse into Victoria’s historic past. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, making for a memorable one-day excursion.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    BC Ferries Tsawwassen Terminal

    This terminal is the gateway to Victoria, offering a scenic ferry journey across the Strait of Georgia with stunning ocean and island views, making the trip itself part of the adventure.
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    Butchart Gardens

    One of the world's premier floral show gardens, Butchart Gardens offers spectacular, meticulously designed landscapes, vibrant seasonal blooms, and peaceful paths ideal for relaxation and photography.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Royal BC Museum

    The Royal BC Museum provides captivating exhibits on British Columbia’s natural and human history, including Indigenous cultures and immersive, interactive displays for visitors of all ages.
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    Inner Harbour

    Inner Harbour is the vibrant heart of Victoria, renowned for its picturesque waterfront views, historic architecture, street performers, and easy access to iconic sites and shops.
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    Craigdarroch Castle

    Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning Victorian-era mansion featuring exquisite woodwork, stained glass, and fascinating stories that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Blue Water Cafe

    4.7
    $$$$

    Blue Water Cafe

    Renowned for sustainable seafood and exceptional sushi, Blue Water Cafe is a top Vancouver dining destination before departing for Victoria.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Red Fish Blue Fish

    4.5
    $$$$

    Red Fish Blue Fish

    A beloved Victoria waterfront eatery, famous for its fresh, locally sourced fish and chips served from a converted shipping container.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Nubo Japanese Tapas

    3.9
    $$$$

    Nubo Japanese Tapas

    Highly rated for innovative Japanese small plates, Nubo offers a lively atmosphere and carefully crafted dishes in downtown Victoria.
    3.9
    $$$$
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    10 Acres Bistro

    8.1
    $$$$

    10 Acres Bistro

    Celebrated for its farm-to-table menu featuring produce from its own farm, 10 Acres Bistro showcases the freshest Island flavors.
    8.1
    $$$$
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    Jam Cafe

    8.9
    $$$$

    Jam Cafe

    A go-to breakfast and brunch spot in Victoria known for hearty, creative comfort food and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
    8.9
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Fairmont Empress

    8.8

    Fairmont Empress

    An iconic luxury hotel overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, known for its historic charm, refined service, and famous afternoon tea.
    8.8
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    Hotel Grand Pacific

    8.5

    Hotel Grand Pacific

    Highly rated for its waterfront location, elegant rooms, excellent amenities, and proximity to Victoria’s top attractions.
    8.5
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    Inn at Laurel Point

    8.3

    Inn at Laurel Point

    A serene harbourside hotel offering contemporary rooms, beautiful views, and a tranquil Japanese garden.
    8.3
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    Magnolia Hotel & Spa

    4.7

    Magnolia Hotel & Spa

    Boutique luxury with personalized service, stylish suites, and a central downtown location within walking distance of major sites.
    4.7
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    Oswego Hotel

    4.5

    Oswego Hotel

    Modern, apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens, ideal for longer stays and families, located steps from the Inner Harbour.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    The Offspring - SUPERCHARGED Worldwide in '26

    The Offspring - SUPERCHARGED Worldwide in '26

    The event will take place at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria.
    Map IconSave-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria (9.59 mi)
    Calendar Icon23 Jan 2026
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    Skydiggers

    Skydiggers

    The event will take place at Capital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria.
    Map IconCapital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria (9.97 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Nov 2025
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    SuperSonic - North America's Tribute To OASIS

    SuperSonic - North America's Tribute To OASIS

    The event will take place at Capital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria.
    Map IconCapital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria (9.97 mi)
    Calendar Icon17 Jan 2026
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    Jade LeMac - It's Always At Night Tour

    Jade LeMac - It's Always At Night Tour

    The event will take place at Capital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria.
    Map IconCapital Ballroom (formerly Sugar Nightclub) in Victoria (9.97 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Jan 2026
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    WINE LIPS W/ KING BOB & THE DOG INDIANA @ Lucky Bar

    WINE LIPS W/ KING BOB & THE DOG INDIANA @ Lucky Bar

    The Victoria Ska & Reggae Society presents an evening of punk, garage rock, and psych: Wine Lips with guests King Bob and The Dog Indiana. Sunday Nov. 9Lucky BarDoors: 7:00 Toronto based garage punk psych rockers, Wine Lips hit the stage for the firs...
    Map IconLucky Bar in Victoria (9.99 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Nov 2025
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    Mindil Beach, Deep Sea Gypsies, BLACKWOOD KINGS

    Mindil Beach, Deep Sea Gypsies, BLACKWOOD KINGS

    Friday, December 5th at Lucky Bar Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society is proud to present our last show of 2025 with longtime friends Mindil Beach who will return to perform in Victoria for the first time in over 10 years. Theyll be joined by their long...
    Map IconLucky Bar in Victoria (9.99 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Dec 2025
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    Nils Hoffmann Vic

    Nils Hoffmann Vic

    The event will take place at Upstairs in Victoria.
    Map IconUpstairs in Victoria (10.04 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Nov 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Yes, they turned someone away who only had a credit card, and the Compass Card (Vancouver public transit) is not accepted. -Recommend Bus 70 because it makes less stops: if no...

    Vancouver to Victoria Day Trip, No Car - How To (Write Up)

    Yes, they turned someone away who only had a credit card, and the Compass Card (Vancouver public transit) is not accepted. -Recommend Bus 70 because it makes less stops: if no...

    /r/askvan
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    There are also float planes that fly from downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour) to downtown Victoria. Sometimes they are not super expensive and in any event the time savings coul...

    How reasonable is a walk-on ferry day trip to Victoria?

    There are also float planes that fly from downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour) to downtown Victoria. Sometimes they are not super expensive and in any event the time savings coul...

    /r/vancouver
  • Reddit Icon

    Two good days in Victoria is pretty good, assuming you dont want to see anything but the city. Ill let Vancouverites speak to the rest. Ferry travel between the two takes up a...

    Suggestions on Trip to Vancouver & Victoria

    Two good days in Victoria is pretty good, assuming you dont want to see anything but the city. Ill let Vancouverites speak to the rest. Ferry travel between the two takes up a...

    /r/canadatravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Share your experiences, get recommendations, and connect with fellow travelers in our community.. welcome to r/canadatravel. ... Hi! I will be visiting Vancouver in a couple o...

    Recommendations for day trip from Vancouver please!

    Share your experiences, get recommendations, and connect with fellow travelers in our community.. welcome to r/canadatravel. ... Hi! I will be visiting Vancouver in a couple o...

    /r/canadatravel
  • Reddit Icon

    We are looking to maximise our ... to visit Vancouver Island for just 1 day? Obviously we know it is massive and we would only get to see a small part, but is that small part ...

    1 day on the island

    We are looking to maximise our ... to visit Vancouver Island for just 1 day? Obviously we know it is massive and we would only get to see a small part, but is that small part ...

    /r/VancouverIsland

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    An energetic classic rock tune that’s perfect for the open road.
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    A fun and spirited anthem that matches the excitement of traveling.
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    U2 - Beautiful Day

    U2 - Beautiful Day

    Uplifting and optimistic, this song encapsulates the joy of adventure.
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    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    With its upbeat rhythm and positive lyrics, it’s ideal for setting a fun mood on the journey.
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    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    A warm folk tune that brings out feelings of comfort and discovery during travel.
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    Lana Del Rey - West Coast

    Lana Del Rey - West Coast

    Captures the free-spirited vibe of the Pacific coastline, connecting with your destination.
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    George Ezra - Budapest

    George Ezra - Budapest

    A mellow and catchy song that evokes the spirit of exploring new places.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Dreams - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Dreams - 2004 Remaster

    Its calming beat is ideal for a relaxing drive with beautiful scenery.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    Evokes a sense of longing and appreciation for the journey and the places you’ll see.
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  • Music Icon

    The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009

    The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009

    A timeless, hopeful tune to welcome the day and take in the natural beauty around you.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009